Sri Lanka Sees Surge in Nature Reserve Tourism in 2024

Sri Lanka Sees Surge in Nature Reserve Tourism in 2024

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 1, 2024

Sri Lanka is witnessing a significant rise in both local and foreign tourists visiting its nature reserves in 2024. Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation, announced at a recent press conference that tourist numbers have substantially increased compared to the past two years.

In 2022, the country saw 289,405 tourists visiting forest conservation sites. This number rose to 444,053 in 2023. As of mid-2024, 364,521 tourists have already visited these destinations, indicating a promising trend for the rest of the year. Notably, the proportion of foreign tourists has increased from 19.8% in 2022 to 40% so far in 2024.

To enhance the tourist experience, new facilities have been introduced. The government has established dedicated sanitary facilities for foreign passport holders at popular tourist spots. Additionally, an online ticket reservation system has been implemented for major national parks, including Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains, Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Wilpattu.

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The influx of tourists has been significant, with about 1.1 million foreign visitors arriving in Sri Lanka by mid-July. If this trend continues, the country is set to record its highest number of foreign tourist arrivals in a single year by the end of 2024.

Wanniarachchi emphasized the country's efforts to improve the eco-tourism sector by implementing various measures and legal amendments. These initiatives aim to attract more tourists and boost the economy through foreign exchange.

Sri Lanka’s dedication to eco-tourism is evident in its recent developments. The 2,500-hectare Gal Oya National Park opened to the public in 2023, and new tourist facilities have been established in several other parks and forest reserves. The country has also received international recognition for its efforts in mangrove restoration, planting 326 hectares of mangroves over the past two years.

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Furthermore, the Department of National Zoological Gardens, despite economic challenges, reported significant revenue growth, reaching Rs.728.60 million by mid-2024. The State Timber Corporation is also expected to record a net profit, with Rs.2,000 million in revenue so far this year.

Efforts to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with elephants, have shown positive results. Measures such as maintaining electric fences and amending wildlife protection laws have helped reduce incidents and plan for a comprehensive elephant population survey.


Parliament Panel Reviews Aviation Safety After Air India AI-171 Crash

Parliament Panel Reviews Aviation Safety After Air India AI-171 Crash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 10, 2025

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has convened a crucial meeting at Parliament House Annexe to conduct an overall review of civil aviation safety in India. This meeting comes in the wake of the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, including former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

Committee Chairman Sanjay Kumar Jha is leading the discussions, which include Air India CEO Campbell Wilson and top officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

On Tuesday, members of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) also raised serious concerns over aviation safety standards, as well as the sudden spike in flight fares from Srinagar to other cities following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

The fatal incident occurred on June 12 when Air India Flight AI-171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The aircraft struck the BJ Medical College hostel building, resulting in 241 fatalities out of the 242 people on board.

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The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and other authorities. Notably, this investigation marks the first time India has domestically decoded black box data. Officials confirmed that the crash protection module (CPM) from one of the black boxes was retrieved and successfully downloaded at the AAIB Lab in Delhi on June 25, using an identical unit known as a "golden chassis" to verify the data.

The investigation is being led by the AAIB Director General and involves a multidisciplinary team, including experts from the Indian Air Force, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aviation medicine, air traffic control, and the US-based National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the designated body from the aircraft’s country of design.

Meanwhile, efforts to identify victims have concluded. Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Rakesh Joshi confirmed, “A total of 254 DNA matches were done, all identified and handed over. Six were identified through facial recognition.” All 260 bodies from the crash have now been returned to their families.

As scrutiny intensifies, the Parliament panel’s review aims to ensure that aviation safety protocols are thoroughly examined to prevent such tragedies in the future, while also addressing concerns around fare hikes in sensitive situations.


The Leela Unveils North and South Palace Trails to Promote Cultural Travel in India

The Leela Unveils North and South Palace Trails to Promote Cultural Travel in India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 9, 2025

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has launched two bespoke itineraries—The Leela Palace Trail – North India and The Leela Palace Trail – South India—under its expanding Palace Trail initiative. These curated experiences aim to deepen inbound travellers’ engagement with India’s heritage, culture, and diverse landscapes by combining luxury hospitality with authentic local encounters across destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Chennai, Kovalam, and Hyderabad.

The North India trail reimagines the classic Golden Triangle circuit—covering New Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur—with The Leela’s signature touch of intuitive luxury. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors seeking to explore India’s most iconic landmarks and rich historical settings, while enjoying stays at The Leela Palace New Delhi, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and The Leela Palace Udaipur. Guests can expect a blend of heritage tours, local traditions, and immersive cultural experiences woven seamlessly into their journey.

On the other hand, the South India trail caters to travellers looking for a slower, more introspective exploration. Winding through Bengaluru, Chennai, Kovalam, Ashtamudi, and Hyderabad, this itinerary focuses on wellness, temple trails, traditional cuisine, and coastal landscapes. Properties like The Leela Palace Chennai, The Leela Kovalam, and The Leela Ashtamudi serve as luxurious bases for discovering the vibrant regional diversity and cultural depth of the South.

Commenting on the launch, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, said, “The introduction of the North and South Palace Trails reflects our commitment to crafting immersive journeys that are rooted in Indian heritage and delivered with intuitive luxury. While the North Trail is perfect for first-time visitors to India who wish to experience its most iconic landmarks, the South Trail invites a slower, more introspective exploration through wellness, cuisine, and culture.”

Both itineraries are customisable, featuring guided art walks, curated excursions, and locally inspired activities that resonate with today’s global travellers seeking meaningful, narrative-driven experiences. With this initiative, The Leela continues to position itself at the forefront of luxury hospitality that seamlessly merges cultural authenticity with sophisticated travel.


YoloBus Sees Rising Family and Senior Travel to Southern Pilgrim Spots This Monsoon

YoloBus Sees Rising Family and Senior Travel to Southern Pilgrim Spots This Monsoon

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 4, 2025

YoloBus, one of India’s top intercity mobility platforms, is witnessing a noticeable change in traveler preferences this monsoon season, with a strong surge in demand for southern religious destinations such as Tirupati, Madurai, and Rameswaram.

Responding to this uptick, YoloBus is now operating 25 dedicated services on these routes and has announced plans to introduce 10 additional services in the coming months to cater to growing passenger interest.

A particularly sharp trend is unfolding on the high-traffic Bangalore–Tirupati corridor, which has recorded an 8% week-on-week rise in passenger numbers. In response, YoloBus recently deployed three new premium buses on this popular route, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring comfort, safety, and reliability for its passengers.

“Southern India continues to draw travelers for its spiritual and cultural depth. The growth we’re seeing is aligned with long-term preferences, not just short-term reactions,” said Sanjay Jadoun, CEO of YoloBus. “We’re committed to expanding our network and enhancing the travel experience for our passengers across the region.”

More Families and Senior Citizens on Board

YoloBus is also observing a change in traveler demographics. There’s been a noticeable rise in bookings from families and senior citizens, particularly from urban hubs like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Today, around 12% of YoloBus’s passengers are above the age of 45, indicating stronger trust in the brand’s high safety and comfort standards among older travelers.

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Even as some parts of Northern India deal with safety concerns, travel trends to the South have remained steady and unaffected. The region’s peaceful, culturally rich pilgrim spots continue to attract visitors, irrespective of external events.

Future Plans for Expansion

While YoloBus currently does not operate services to Kerala destinations like Kochi, Munnar, or Alappuzha, nor to prominent pilgrim hubs such as Sabarimala, Velankanni, or Palani, the company is closely monitoring demand patterns and exploring possible expansion into these routes.

About YoloBus

YoloBus is a leading intercity travel provider in India, offering premium, safe, and comfortable journeys. Serving over 1 million travelers across more than 400 routes nationwide, YoloBus connects cities through a modern fleet of luxury buses equipped with top-tier amenities and advanced safety systems. With a focus on customer satisfaction, punctuality, and continuous innovation, YoloBus continues to raise the bar for intercity bus travel in India.

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